From Amego Electric Vehicles, business with multiple e-bike shops in Canada, some help in explaining proposed new rules by the Ministry of Transportation to create two classes of power-assisted bikes:
On April 23, 2026, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) posted a proposal that would create two distinct classes of power-assisted bicycles, formally separate moped and motorcycle-style vehicles from "real" e-bikes, and introduce a 12-month education period before enforcement begins. If you ride an e-bike in Ontario, are thinking about buying one, or already own one, here's exactly what's changing and what it means for you.
The short version
Ontario will split e-bikes into Class 1 (pedal-assist only, max 55 kg) and Class 2 (pedal-assist or throttle, max 120 kg). Both classes must have an exposed bicycle frame and functional pedals. Anything that looks like a moped or motorcycle, the high-power, throttle-only machines that have flooded the market, will be reclassified and require a motorcycle licence (M or M2-L), insurance, and registration. The good news: properly designed e-bikes from established brands stay legal, stay licence-free, and stay on the path you'd expect them to be on.
Most cargo e-bikes are in Class 2, for those over 55 kg. That probably includes the long john style, some longtails, and many trikes.
This isn't quite a new proposal. A few years ago, the government put forth very similar legislation but it got stuck (or so I thought). It appears upon my reading now that the legislation did pass and now these proposed regulation updates are a part of that.
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